Finding the right exhaust system can be a pain. You want one with the right performance gains, the right sound, and the right look. I didn't want a big coffee-can fart pipe exhaust sticking out the back of my GTI, and I wanted a sound that was only slightly more agressive than stock. Enter Milltek. Milltek exhausts are imported from the UK by Stratmosphere, right next door in Rush NY. The guys at Stratmosphere are big Audi / VW fans and it shows in their high-quality products and great service.

I had my Milltek installed at CDI, a local shop that specializes in German automobiles and does a lot of Milltek installations for Stratmosphere. Performance has increased (Milltek claims a 12% gain), while the exhaust tips look like a meatier version of the stock GTI exhaust. The system fits perfectly with the 2003 4Motion-type valence. The sound is good, a little deeper than stock at low RPMs, great at high RPMs, and best of all NO drone at highway speeds. Exhaust drone is the sign of a ricer, and makes baby jesus cry.

If you're interested in this system, give Pete at Stratmosphere a call, or go to their website. You can reach them at (866) 533-1777. For more insight on this mod, and any other mod, search the VWvortex forums.